Welcome back to On the CASE with Ann & Nicole, an endeavor undertaken with my friend and stamping buddy, Nicole Watt of Pixel Maven’s Retreat. In “case” you missed our maiden post, here is the scoop: Twice a month, on the first and third Wednesdays, we will be CASE-ing a card from one of Stampin’ Up!’s current catalogs. CASE means to Copy and Share with Everyone, and that is exactly what we will be doing. We hope you enjoy the cards we CASE and the free step-by-step tutorials! Let’s get on to today’s CASE!

Beautiful Bouquet Page 93 – Annual Catalog 2017 – 2018

With its bright and cheerful colors, as well as an abundance of white, this card created with the Beautiful Bouquet bundle immediately caught my eye. I loved the flirty, feminine touches, such as the delicate doily, the linen thread bow, and the sparkly enamel dots.

I stayed stay true to the catalog version. With all of the wonderful details, there was no need to step it up. I hope enjoy today’s card!

On the CASE Notes Your Step-by-Step Guide

1. Score the Whisper White Thick cardstock at 5-1/2″ to form the card base.

2. Run the front of it through the Big Shot with the Polka Dot Basics Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.

3. Use the 3″ (outer dimension) Scalloped Layering Square framelit to create the Pool Party panel. Layer a 2-3/8″ x 2-3/8″ piece of Whisper White cardstock on top of the Pool Party. This can be created with the 2-5/8″ (outer dimension) Layering Square framelit. Cut a pie-shaped wedge from the Delicate Doily, and adhere to the back.

4. Ink the small flower image in Daffodil Delight, and stamp onto the white panel. Ink the sentiment in Crumb Cake and stamp into the lower left corner. Adhere to the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

5. Create the stems from Pear Pizzazz cardstock and the stems framelit. Here’s a Tip: Use the Precision Plate and the Die Brush, and this greenery will “pop” right out of the die.

6. Stamp the Wrapper in Crumb Cake and cut out using the framelit.

7. Ink the various flower images in the colors indicated and cut out using the appropriate framelits.

Soft Sky and Daffodil Delight

Daffodil Delight Blossom with Calypso Coral center

Soft Sky/Bermuda Bay center; Bermuda Bay

Calypso Coral

Daffodil Delight

7. Die cute the Whisper White fronds.

Whisper White

7. Arrange the flowers as shown, using Glue Dots and Stampin’ Dimensionals. Tie a Linen Thread bow around the wrapper and adhere to the bouquet. Adhere the centers to the Bermuda Bay flowers. Embellish with Glitter Enamel Dots.

8. Enjoy!

How Hard Was It to Crack this CASE?

The techniques involved in making today’s card are not difficult at all. I would definitely recommend using the Magnetic Platform in order to hold the framelits in position over the stamped images when you cut them. Difficulty Level:3 out of 5, simply because it does take time die cutting all of the flowers.

#SUontheCASE

Nicole and I hope our projects today inspire you to try CASE-ing the catalog too! We’ll be “on the case”, looking for the hashtag #SUontheCASE on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ & Pinterest). If we find one of your projects, we’ll share it, like it, repost it – we’ll do it all!

Now head on over to Nicole, the Pixel Maven, to see the CASE file she has been working on. You will love it! And remember, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time – CASE away!

Would you like to check out the most recent Cold CASE File? Click HERE

Ready to get On this CASE? If you would like to try your hand at creating today’s card, the supply list is located below. Clicking on a product takes you right to my store.

Add the above monthly Host Code to your online product orders of $50 or more (before tax and shipping) and receive a card tutorial.

Add the above monthly Host Code to your online orders of $75 or more, before tax and shipping, and earn the tutorial and a special gift from me. This month’s gift will be a special surprise from the Holiday Catalog…to be announced later.

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A new Stampin Up! promotion begins today with the early release of the Carols of Christmas stamp set and Card Front Builder Thinlits. Of course, we all love a bargain, and holiday sneak peeks, so why not purchase the bundle and save 10% ?

Watch this video to see all the fabulous projects you can create with this bundle!

Order your bundle today and get a head start on making these holiday cards:

It’s That Time

Add the above monthly Host Code to your online product orders of $50 or more (before tax and shipping) and receive a card tutorial.

Add the above monthly Host Code to your online orders of $75 or more, before tax and shipping, and earn the tutorial and a special gift from me. This month’s gift will be a special surprise from the Holiday Catalog…to be announced later.

There’s Still Stuff

Looking for a retired stamp set? Be sure to check out my retired products sale HERE!

Need a Holiday Catalog?

If you are currently a customer of mine, a Holiday Catalog will be mailed to you through Stampin’ Up!’s mailing selector, beginning August 8th. Please note it may take a few weeks to reach you. If you are not affiliated with another demonstrator and would like a copy, please email me at [email protected] or [email protected]

As for me, I placed my holiday preorder today, and I can guarantee that I will be creating my share of holiday sneak peeks with my new goodies. Plus, watch for details about my upcoming annual Holiday Catalog Shares. I will be using several of the papers, ribbons and embellishments which will be included in my shares on my sneak peeks for sure! As always, if you have any questions, I am only an email away! Until next time…

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Yep…that’s me. I have lots of retired stuff. I accumulated all that stuff because I often did not sell stamp sets and paper and ink and Big Shot items and ribbon and embellishments and tools and so on and so forth when they retired, because I always thought I might NEED them at some point in the future. I have tons of sets, many of which were never used. I would see an adorable card someone created and I just HAD to buy the set to make it. You know what I mean. But life would get in the way, the set would never be inked up, and the card was never made. I am not proud of the fact, and it is quite embarrassing. Why did I feel the need to buy every little thing just because Stampin’ Up! makes the cutest stamps and paper? I was hesitant to air my addiction on my blog, but I have to clear these things out. I really must sell them. We are getting ready to sell our house, hopefully this fall, and I have to de-clutter. Plus, I encountered some pretty hefty vet bills recently. So I would love to have my stuff become your stuff.

I have consolidated all of the retired items I currently have for sale into one easy document. Here is the link:

The list will be updated daily as items are sold. Please send an email ([email protected]) if you are interested in making a purchase. In your email, include the name of the items you are wanting to purchase and your zip code so I can calculate postage for you.

All items will be sold on a first come, first served basis, as determined by the date and time of your email. I can only mail to US addresses. I will accept both checks and PayPal, but please allow time for personal checks to clear unless you have ordered from me before or I know you.

Remember, postal rates have increased and some items, like dies are heavy. However, I will try to find the least expensive method of mailing for you.

So please…don’t judge me. And please be patient as I respond to your emails. I hope you find that special set for which you have been looking. Until next time…

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The lovely Claire, from The Paper Players, is hosting a Summer Fun in the Water challenge this week. Claire stated she loves being by the water in the summer, and I don’t blame her. I would love to live by an ocean, where I could walk barefoot in the sand and collect shells to my heart’s content. My love of shells is probably why the So Many Shells stamp set called my name. I hope you enjoy today’s summer card!

Colors of the Day

Who doesn’t love sparkly shells? The Sea Urchin and the Scallop were kissed with Wink of Stella, while the Large Shell received a sprinkling of Dazzling Diamonds. And although it may not be a traditional color palette for shells and sea urchins, I love how they look stamped in Blushing Bride, Perfect Plum and Sahara Sand.

Soft Sky water and Crumb Cake gulls, courtesy of the High Tide stamp set, create a vignette for the fabulous Seas the Day sentiment. In fact, if the shells are not enough to convince you that you need the So Many Shells set, the amazing sentiments should.

A little Copper Trim and a few Pearls accent the oval. Copper Trim is one of my favorite products from the new catalog. It’s so versatile, I find myself using it quite often.

Who’s This Handsome Dog?

American/Canadian Champion You Don’t Know Jack

As many of you noticed, I was missing from the blog most of the month of June. Kim, my husband, and I accompanied Jackie the Boxer on his quest to earn his Canadian Champion title. We were fortunate enough to enlist the aid of one of Canada’s top handlers, Colin Brownlee. If you think Colin looks familiar, you may have seen him on TV if you watch the Westminster Dog Show.

Jackie and Colin hit it off immediately. They made a beautiful team. Not only did Jackie earn his Champion title, he earned multiple working group placements.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to rest on our laurels for long. Upon our return home, Jackie was stung by a bee, and suffered an allergic reaction. We had two emergency trips to the vet, one at 3:00 AM. He was covered in hives, and his eyes and nose were swelling shut. Here he is the morning after, after many of the hives had went down. You can imagine what he looked like when I rushed him to the vet. He was one sick puppy.

Jackie has gained back most of the four pounds he lost, but he still is not 100%. Because the above picture is so sad looking, we’ll leave you with a happy picture. Here he is strutting his stuff in Canada. He definitely loves to run around the show ring!

If you would like to try your hand at creating today’s summer card, the supply list is located below. Clicking on a product takes you right to my store. And remember, during the month of July, every $50 you order scores a $5 Off Bonus Coupon from Stampin’ Up! to be used on August orders…as well as a free gift from me! As always, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

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Welcome to a new feature at The Stampin’ Schach: On the CASE with Ann & Nicole, an endeavor lovingly undertaken with my friend and stamping buddy, Nicole Watt of Pixel Maven’s Retreat. (Nicole has shared the story of the evolution of this new series in her post today.) Twice a month, on the first and third Wednesdays, we will be CASE-ing a card from one of Stampin’ Up!’s current catalogs. CASE means to Copy and Share with Everyone, and that is exactly what we will be doing. We hope you enjoy the cards we CASE and the free step-by-step tutorials! Let’s get on to today’s CASE!

Birthday Blooms Page 70 – Annual Catalog 2017 – 2018

You know me…I LOVE to fussy cut, and I LOVE a soft, romantic card. It should come as no surprise that I would select this feminine beauty, pictured below, as my choice for this week.

I did step-up my version a smidge, by adding a pearl and ribbon. However, if you would like to stay true to the catalog, you could easily leave these off. Another change I made was to heat emboss my images using Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder. It has been my experience it is easier to water color and fussy cut embossed images. Enjoy today’s card!

On the CASE Notes Your Step-by-Step Guide

1. Score the Crumb Cake cardstock at 5-1/4″ to form the card base.
2. Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, position and stamp the floral image twice in VersaMark ink onto the Crumb Cake card base. Heat emboss using Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder. If you would prefer to not emboss, use Crumb Cake ink.

3. Stamp the sentiment in the lower left hand corner. To keep the look soft, I used Crumb Cake ink. One could also use Soft Suede or Early Espresso. Step it up, with a single Pearl.

4. Ink the floral image again with VersaMark, and stamp onto Whisper White cardstock. Heat emboss with Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder. Once again, if you would rather not heat emboss, use Crumb Cake ink.
5. Use an Aqua Painter to paint the leaves Pear Pizzazz, the petals Pink Pirouette, and the center So Saffron. To shade, simply add more layers. Technique Tip: I squeeze a closed ink pad to transfer ink to the lid of the pad, and use this for coloring. Another option is to add a few drops of ink refill to a suitable container, like a plastic paint palette with wells.

7. Step it up! If desired add a snip-it of Pear Pizzazz 3/8″ Shimmer Ribbon and a bow.

If you would like to see another card made with Birthday Blooms, check out this Post from the Past.

How Hard Was It to Crack this CASE?

In hindsight, this is a very simple card to create. By all means, the fussy cutting will take you the most time. However, the results are well worth it, don’t you think? And even though it takes a little more time to heat emboss my version of this card, it does indeed make it easier to cut and color. Difficulty Level:3 out of 5, simply because of the heat embossing and fussy cutting.

#SUontheCASE

Nicole and I hope our projects today inspire you to try CASE-ing the catalog too! We’ll be “on the case”, looking for the hashtag #SUontheCASE on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ & Pinterest). If we find one of your projects, we’ll share it, like it, repost it – we’ll do it all!

Now head on over to Nicole, the Pixel Maven, to see the CASE file she has been working on. You will love it! And remember, if you have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Until next time – CASE away!

Ready to get On the CASE? If you would like to try your hand at creating today’s card, the supply list is located below. Clicking on a product takes you right to my store. And remember, during the month of July, every $50 you order scores a $5 Off Bonus Coupon from Stampin’ Up! to be used on August orders…as well as a free gift from me!

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It’s time for another round of inspiration from The Stamp Review Crew. If this is your very first visit to one of our hops, we are a group of international Stampin’ Up! demonstrators whose mission is to do a blog hop on the first and third Mondays of each month. Our hops are unique because each of us features the same stamp set used in a variety of ways. This week we are featuring the Seaside Shore stamp set. I am Stop #8 on the hop. You may have just left Stop #7, the always amazing Heidi Baks! After visiting me, you will continue to Stop #9, the ever-so-talented Adriana Benitez. Enjoy today’s hop!

Tranquil Tide, Copper, and Sahara Sand make a beautiful trio of colors, especially when showcased against a Powder Pink card base. The adorable designer paper is from the Delightful Daisy collection. With the dots and ombré shading, it gives the illusion of being underwater, don’t you think?

What could be a better color for creating a sandy ocean bottom than Sahara Sand? The speckles were created with the Touches of Textures stamp set and Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder. The top layer was popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals to provide depth and dimension.

The Seaweed image was inked in Tranquil Tide and stamped onto Pool Party cardstock. It was then colored using Blender Pens with Pool Party, Tranquil Tide, and Powder Pink inks. A slight shimmer was imparted with a Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Brush. Shells were embossed in white, and accented with Pearls and Rhinestones.

A glittery Anchor is embedded in the sand, resting atop a swatch of Copper trim, which was spread out. The trio of fish were copper embossed. Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter adds a touch of bling.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card made with this versatile set. Won’t you let me know in your comment today? Of course, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Now hop along to Stop #9, Adriana Benitez! I guarantee you will not be disappointed with what she has in store for you! If you get lost along the way, you can find a list of all the hoppers at The Stamp Review Crew. Until next time…

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It’s great to be back! And it’s great to be featuring this thank you card, made with the new Coffee Café stamp set, for Freshly Made Sketches.We just returned from showing Jackie in Canada for three weeks, and I needed several thank you cards to send out to my new Canadian friends. I thought Narelle’s sketch would be perfect for showcasing the adorable Coffee Café set. It’s easy, thanks to the coordinating Coffee Cups framelits. I hope you like this cute little thank you card a latte!

Easy peasy are the key words to describe this thank you card. The stamping involved is a breeze.

The greeting was stamped in Garden Green, the lid in Early Espresso, and the little hearts are Cherry Cobbler. Since this was the first time I inked up this set, I rubbed over the lid and sentiment oval with a pencil eraser to help the ink adhere better, thus providing a better image.

To add texture, I added a Linen Thread bow, and popped the sentiment up on a Corrugated Elements oval. Cherry Cobbler Enamel Shapes add a “pop” of color.

This card is heading to Keith, who not only opened his home up to two human and one four-legged guest, but he also introduced us to that Canadian staple…Tim Horton’s! You can’t beat the apple fritters. Nearly every morning, we would walk the dogs the short distance to the coffee shop, and two of us would hold dogs while the third person would go in and order. Then we would make our way to the park across from his home and enjoy our goodies. I am sure he will understand the significance of my design. Of course, this daily routine certainly did not help my diet!

Coming Up

Over the next few days, I will be sharing my Canadian adventures with you. Expect plenty of pictures of Jackie the Boxer, as well as Niagara Falls. Plus, I’ll be designing more thank you cards which I’ll feature AND I will be sharing my list of retired stamp sets and framelits. Of course, as always, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the products I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

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It’s time for another round of inspiration from The Stamp Review Crew. If this is your very first visit to one of our hops, we are a group of international Stampin’ Up! demonstrators whose mission is to do a blog hop on the first and third Mondays of each month. Our hops are unique because each of us features the same stamp set used in a variety of ways. This week we are featuring the fabulous Colorful Seasons stamp set. I am Stop #1 on the hop. You may have just left Stop #15, the amazing Natalie Lapakko! After visiting me, you will continue to Stop #2, the ever-so-talented Heidi Baks, who always blows me away with her talent. Enjoy today’s hop and my trio of cards!

Colorful Seasons Fall in Faux Silk

For my first card today, I decided to showcase the fall splendor of Colorful Seasons by using my favorite trio of autumnal colors: Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry. These were accented with the warmth and elegance of Copper Foil.

Sometimes when I sit down to make a card, I forget about the arsenal of techniques we have at our disposal. Does this ever happen to you? Luckily for me, I remembered a texture-rich technique I used to use several years ago when designing fall cards. It’s the “faux silk technique”, and it is as easy as 1-2-3.

You will need a wet adhesive, such as Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue, card stock, and a piece of ordinary tissue paper.

Spread a thin layer of glue onto Very Vanilla card stock. Smooth using a sponge brush. No sponge brush? That’s alright! You can use a piece of scrap card stock, or even your fingers!

Crumple up your piece of tissue paper, then smooth it out.

Place the “crumpled-up-smoothed out” tissue paper on top of the card stock adhere, and stamp away.

Two Copper Foil leaves were created with the coordinating Seasonal Layers Thinlits. New 1/4″ Copper Trim (spread out), and a bit of Copper Thread add to the delicious texture! Speckles were created with the Touches of Texture set and Crumb Cake ink. Pearls provide the perfect accent.

Colorful Seasons Faux Watercolored Winter

Pounce! The background for this card was created using baby wipes and inks. I simply scrunched up a baby wipe, inked it up on my ink pad, and pounced around on the surface of the paper. I used Soft Sky, Smoky Slate, and Blushing Bride inks. Next, I added VersaMark Snowflakes and heat embossed them with Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder.

Silver Foil snowflakes, punched out with the Seasonal Layers Thinlits and popped up on dimensionals, add depth to the card.

Icy sparkle is added in a number of ways, including new Silver Mini Sequins and 3/8″ Metallic-Edge Ribbon in Silver and Whisper White.

Although I tend to be a “fall, pearl, warm color” kind of gal, I do love the wintery mix of colors and bling on this winter card.

Colorful Seasons Berry Burst Spring

The “Spring” card was created earlier, but I wanted to include it here in order to demonstrate the versatility of this set. More details can be found on the original post, HERE.

I hope you enjoyed today’s cards made with this versatile set. Won’t you let me know in your comment today? Of course, if you ever have a question about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away. Now hop along to Stop #2, Heidi Baks! I guarantee you will not be disappointed with what she has in store for you! If you get lost along the way, you can find a list of all the hoppers at The Stamp Review Crew. Until next time…

If you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and would like your own paper copy of the 2017-2018 Annual Catalog, please email me at [email protected] OR [email protected] I will send you your very own copy!

Ready for More Rewards?

From now until June 30th, if you place an order of $350 or more, you will get $35MORE in FREE STAMPIN’ REWARDS! This Bonus applies to individual online orders, customer orders that I place for you, and workshop orders.

Oh My Stars…A Treat for My June Customers

Customers who place a product order of $50 or more (before shipping and tax) in my on-line store using my HOST CODE 2UP9UAE2, will receive the NEW Oh My Stars Textured Impressions Embossing Folder FREE! This offer is only available for orders placed through my on-line store using the host code from June 1 through June 29th. Your embossing folder will be mailed to you in mid-July.

PLEASE REMEMBER!If your order is $150 or more (before shipping and tax), you should NOT enter the code. I will automatically send you the Oh My Stars folder AND you will receive your own host rewards!

An easy way to reach $50 is with the Daisy Delight Bundle, with coordinating papers! CLICK HERE to see my Daisy card with tutorial!

Stay tuned for my picks from the Annual Catalog. I can’t wait to share those items which make my heart go pitter-pat! And remember, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…

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Hooray! Today I found time to play with my friends at The Paper Players! The talented Nance is challenging us to create a clean and simple project featuring butterflies! This time I truly kept it clean and simple while creating this quick friendship card. Enjoy!

This quick friendship card is so easy! I simply stamped the saying from Lovely Friends in Basic Black Archival Ink onto Whisper White cardstock. This was layered onto Cajun Craze and Basic Black cardstock before adhering it to the card base

If anything on this quick friendship card wasn’t so quick, it was snipping out the butterflies. But even then, it really didn’t take that long. These critters are from the In This World stamp set. They were colored using Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, and Basic Gray Watercolor Pencils. After coloring with the pencils, I used Blender Pens to activate the colors. If you look very closely, you can see the shimmer from the Clear Wink of Stella which was applied on the edges of the wings.

The smaller butterfly is actually the same image as the larger one. I simply snipped off the outer margin of the wings. It was colored in exactly the same way. Although it does not show up in this picture, Clear Wink of Stella imparts a subtle shimmer to the body. The butterflies are the perfect finishing touch.

Clean and simple cards are always a challenge to me. I usually don’t know when to stop adding things. With the Lovely Friends stamp set and it’s bold graphic sentiments, there really isn’t a lot of space left to “pile on”. This makes it the perfect set for me when I need a card in a jiffy!

I hope you enjoyed this quick friendship card as much as I enjoyed as making it. As always, if you ever have any questions about the cards I create or the techniques I use, I am only an email away! Until next time…